The Wire Staff 
New Delhi: A violent clash erupted in Nagamangala in Mandya district, Karnataka on Wednesday night (September 11) during a Ganesh Chathurthi procession. The incident occurred near a mosque, where miscreants resorted to arson, stone pelting, and vandalism, prompting police to impose prohibitory orders.
News agency PTI reported that the police have arrested 52 individuals suspected of involvement in the incident. Additionally, prohibitory orders have been enforced in the town, banning gatherings of more than four people until September 14.
The clash erupted as a procession approached Mysuru Road near Nagamangala town, where stone pelting suddenly began. The situation rapidly deteriorated into chaos and violence, prompting the police to deploy lathicharge multiple times. It was uncertain who initiated the attack, The News Minute reported.
The violence escalated near T Mariappa Circle, where stones, bottles, and even petrol bombs were hurled, causing widespread destruction, Vijaya Karnataka reported.
Miscreants reportedly set ablaze around 25 shops and seven vehicles. Multiple individuals were also injured in the mayhem, local media channels reported.
The glass windows of the Nagamangala Town Municipal Council were also shattered.
“Police intervened and dispersed them. Later, one group came to the police station, and they were joined by others. Eventually, both groups gathered at the police station, and police dispersed them too. On the way back from the police station, they set fire to shops and vehicles. The situation is now under control,” Mandya SP Mallikarjun Baladandi told TNM.
When asked why the procession was allowed near another place of worship, the SP told the news portal that “this is the traditional route of the procession”.
Karnataka home minister G. Parameshwara wrote on his X handle that a police inspector has been suspended following the incident.
“A police inspector has been suspended for dereliction of duty in connection with the Nagamangala riots. I have already directed to report on the reasons behind the incident. After receiving the report, we will take strict action within the legal framework without hesitation. No one is greater than the law,” Parameshwara said.
Speaking to media persons, Union minister of heavy industries and steel and Mandya MP H.D. Kumaraswamy appealed to “both the communities” to maintain peace and harmony.
“I appeal to the people of both the communities not to become the scapegoat after being incited by a few. Please maintain peace and harmony,” Kumaraswamy was quoted as saying by Deccan Herald.
“A minor incident occurred during the Ganesha procession at the same place last year too. Despite this, Why did the police not take any measures to prevent the riot? It is the total failure of the police department. It is said that the Inspector has been suspended citing dereliction of duty. But the damage has been done,” he added.
In his official X handle, Kumaraswamy blamed “miscreants of a community” and slammed the Congress party for “appeasement of a particular community” in an apparent reference to the Muslims. He wrote:
“I strongly condemn the incident that took place during the Ganesha discharge in Nagamangala, Mandya district. It is a proof of the failure of peace and order in the town that the miscreants of a community deliberately raised a ruckus by targeting the devotees who were walking peacefully in the procession of God Ganapati, throwing stones and slippers at the public-policemen, exploding petrol bombs and brandishing talvars. When the thugs of that community oppress those who were peacefully protesting in front of the police station asking for protection, it makes us doubt where we are. The failure of the local police is also evident here.
@INCKarnataka This despicable incident took place in Nagamangala as a result of over-indulgence and appeasement of a particular community by the party and the state government for political gain. Such wooing and appeasement politics should stop. Otherwise bad days are not far for the Congress party. My concern is that the public should maintain peace. The government should immediately take action to restore peace in the town. Also; There is no question of tolerating opposition party leaders and activists by the police on the pretext of this case.”